Amelia taking the fair way to college

HARD work in the classroom as well as on the fairways and greens has paid off for Coffs Harbour golfer Amelia Mehmet-Grohn.

The 18 year old has been granted a full scholarship to play golf and study at Iowa State University.

The Iowa State Cardinals are a member of the Big 12 Conference and developing her game in what can prove to be a pressure-cooker situation is something the plus-3 handicapper is looking forward to.

"I've seen the program and their facilities and they're absolutely amazing," Amelia said.

"I get along well with the coach (Christie Martens) and the coaches and I'm really looking forward to improving my game."

Having grown up in Coffs Harbour there are a couple of major differences the right-hander will need to get used to in Iowa. Snow in winter and a lack of beaches.

A look at the map shows it's more than five hours in the car to get from campus to the shores of Lake Michigan.

That's not stifling this talented golfer's enthusiasm for the next stage of her life though.

IN THE SWING: Amelia Mehmet-Grohn is heading to the USA after receiving full scholarship to study and play golf with the Iowa State University Cardinals. Photo: Trevor Veale/Coffs Coast AdvocateTrevor Veale

"I think it will be a fresh start and a new adventure," she said.

"When you're over there it's a completely different culture to what you'll find in Australia.

"It's just the atmosphere where everyone comes together and it's just a massive community."

Over the past few months, golf has taken a back seat as her HSC exams approached.

"It was a bit tricky. I had to not play as much golf during the HSC but it was good just to concentrate on that for a little while, get it out of the way. I'm getting back into golf now that it's summer time," she said.

Before she heads off to the United States in August, Amelia has a full schedule ahead of her.

Starting with the Jack Newton Junior Golf Bonville Champions Trophy, which tees off on December 2, the recently graduated Jetty High student has her eye on a few events in the near future.

"I'm playing in two tournaments in December and then January, February, April and May I have tournaments in those months," Amelia said.

"I'll be playing all around Australia so I'm getting myself prepped for college golf."

There are plenty of challenges ahead for Amelia and facing them requires some financial backing.

There's been plenty of support from fellow Coffs Harbour Golf Club members who've been more than happy to reach into their pockets to buy tickets in the many meat tray raffles designed to give Amelia a helping hand to meet the costs involved in travelling long distances to play.

Now the club is conducting a 4-person Ambrose event on Sunday, November 29 to further this star's future.